So, I came into the work of Tony Scott ready for disappointment. I wasn’t a fan before, but I had something like mixed to warm feelings about several of his films while having never felt a need to discover some of his lesser known work.
Well, I enjoyed the run more than I thought I would. He felt defined more by his producers than himself, his brother than his own creative impulses, and he seemed to have no real feel for narrative. That being said, he put together some entertaining times at the movies.
The one relationship of his career that probably defined him most was with Don Simpson and Jerry Bruckheimer who produced most of his work through the 80s and early 90s. That I don’t think there’s an appreciable difference in style between Scott’s Crimson Tide and Michael Bay’s The Rock is probably a testament to how influential the producing partners were on their own sets.
Still, no matter the whole auteur theory misapplication, Tony Scott was worth my time, and a discovery might be worth yours as well. Sure, there’s stuff like The Fan in there, but there’s also Déjà Vu and Man on Fire.
The ranked reviews begin tomorrow, but in the meantime don’t forget to check out the rest of my definitive rankings to bask in the definitiveness.
Originally published here.
David Vining
I am a fiction writer living in Charleston, SC. I've had a variety of jobs, but nothing compared to what Heinlein had. I don't think that time I got hired to slay the wild and terrifying jack rabbit of Surrey counts since I actually only took out the mild mannered hedgehog of Suffolk. Let's just say that it doesn't go on the resume. Lover (but not, you know...lover) of movies. Married to the single most beautiful woman on Earth with a single son who shall rule after my death. If that didn't deter you, check out my blog or browse some of the books I've written.
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